in heraldry, resting on the chief of the shield, and bearing the crest, indicates rank.

1

Gold, with six bars, or with the visor raised (in full face) for royalty!

Steel, with gold bars, varying in number (in profile) for a nobleman;

Steel, without bars, and with visor open (in profile) for a knight or baronet;

Steel, with visor closed (in profile), for a squire or gentleman.

The pointed helmet in the bas-reliefs from the earliest palace of Nimroud appears to have been the most ancient . . Several were discovered in the ruins. They were iron, and the rings which ornamented the lower part were inlaid with copper.Layard: Nineveh and its Remains, vol. ii. part ii. chap. iv. p. 262.